Karry A. Schurke
March 30, 1971 - November 8, 2019

"Lit a candle in memory of Karry A. Schurke"

"Lit a candle in memory of Karry A. Schurke"

"I met Schurke at the beginning of my military career. He was a good man and a great leader."

"Lit a candle in memory of Karry A. Schurke"

"Lit a candle in memory of Karry A. Schurke"

"Lit a candle in memory of Karry A. Schurke"

"Lit a candle in memory of Karry A. Schurke"

"Lit a candle in memory of Karry A. Schurke"

"Lit a candle in memory of Karry A. Schurke"

"Lit a candle in memory of Karry A. Schurke"

"Lit a candle in memory of Karry A. Schurke"

"What a sweet young man, will miss him, even If I did not get to see him often. Karry grew into a wonderful man. Will miss him, we have a lot of fond memories of Karry."

"Lit a candle in memory of Karry A. Schurke"

"Lit a candle in memory of Karry A. Schurke"

"You will be missed my friend. My thoughts and prayers to Jennifer and the girls."

"Lit a candle in memory of Karry A. Schurke"

"Lit a candle in memory of Karry A. Schurke"

"Rest In Peace young man Rest In Peace"

"Thoughts and prayers to Karry's family! I grew up with his mom, Karen and his uncles. They were such a great family. God Bless! Karen Wiebers"

"Lit a candle in memory of Karry A. Schurke"

"Lit a candle in memory of Karry A. Schurke"

"Lit a candle in memory of Karry A. Schurke"

"Lit a candle in memory of Karry A. Schurke"

"Lit a candle in memory of Karry A. Schurke"

"Lit a candle in memory of Karry A. Schurke"

"I wonder if people still look at this wall. I do. It helps me see a side of Karry I didn't know. All the people's lives he was important in that wasn't just the people I knew. I was just a dumb college kid when you met me when we both started working in Ida Grove together. He was in the middle of retiring from the Guard and starting a new chapter in his life when we met. Our first connection what that we were newbies working in tough industry and we were both ISU fans. We enjoyed spending time together in the office, going to lunch together, driving to job sites together, ISU Basketball games, etc. Some of my favorite days with him were during the NFL season. Listening to him tell me about his Bronco/Cowboy's texts with Jody were hilarious. I could always count on a laugh on Monday mornings. The conversations would go something like this: Hey, you watching the game? ~ Whats the score? ~ My cable is out, who's winning? ~ Hey the Broncos won, how are the Cowgirls doing? --- Sometimes he would tell me that their text string would have 10 unanswered messages in a row! He loved his Broncos and he loved even more talking trash to Jody about the Cowboys. The other memory that stands out more than the rest was when we ran out of gas in my truck on the way to take a job office trailer to Klemme. You were so mad when the hog confinement was the closest thing to where we ran out on the highway. You got a ride with the dude to the nearest town to get a few gallons of gas and were so mad when you came back and reeked like hog manure. One of the funniest days of my life! I think about you every day. I think about what advice you would give me about becoming a father. I've been a father for 8 months now and I am still trying to figure it out. I think about how excited I was to bring my new family to yours so you could meet my child and see me grow in my life. Don't worry, I will be sure to tell everyone about you and the things and the people you loved. -Eli"

"Not a day has gone by that I dont think about my friend. Sometimes I still look at my phone to see if I have a missed call from him. I first me Karry when I was probably like 7 years old as our families knew mutual people. When I joined the NG he was my squad leader and our relationship blossomed quickly. I read all of these stories and I realize that he wasnt just my best friend lol but he was so many other peoples best friend as well. He had a way of having time for absolutely everyone. He has many many accomplishments but I know the what that he loves his mom, his wife Jen and Gracie and Emma were his greatest. I think Jen made him grow up so to speak lol and then the twins shaped him in to the man that he was. I miss Jen and the girls and Karen. Lol even though I hardly ever saw any of you he was always fast to tell me about each and every one of you. I could hear his glow and admiration through the phone when he spoke of the four of you. As good of friends as we were, o could barely even talk to him during football season. If the Cowboys were playing he was always fast to give score updates.... only if they were losing. Many times id have to block his number for a few days after a Cowboys loss. Lol he would have to do the same after a Broncos loss..... which were many. I miss you everyday Schurk Prayers to your four girls!!!"

"I didnt know Schurke until I got in an argument in high school. Someone who just joined got in an argument with me and said he had the army behind him to back him up. Me not letting down I said Id join the army too just so he could face me like a man. Low and behold that night I got a phone call from Schurke telling me he heard I wanted to join the army. Thought never really crossed my mind but just like any army recruiter he suckered me into joining... one of the beat decisions in my life that wasnt really mine, but his. Since that day, we were great friends. Life, family, engagements, friends, drinking, vacations home, he had a piece of everything I did moving forward in life. He and Jen even drove 5+ hours to stop by my wedding for just an hour. He shaped my manhood in many more ways than one. A forever friend that even after 5 yrs of not chatting, we could pick right back up. The clouds above gained a true hero, and Ill hug Im again soon."

"Shurke stated, when all of us returned from basic, he would buy us a keg. That was in 1996. Low down trick to get me in and stay for 20 years. When we meet again I'll get the keg brother. You instilled knowledge and gave all of us your friendship. We will pass on those gifts to others. Love and miss you dearly. CCO 1/168...."

"I am very saddened to know that a terrible accident claimed the life of Karry Schurke. Such a good person gone way too soon, and leaving behind a wonderful family. Another reminder that lifes not fair. I met Karry when he was working as an Iowa Army National Guard Recruiter, and I worked as the Recruiting & Retention Battalion Commander. Then, I was able to work more closely with him when he was a Recruiting & Retention Area Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge, along with Mike Dieger, Matt Cooper, Joel Nastruz, Vince Wilson, Al Paulding, Paul David, and Dan Skirvin, and Gary Waters. Later, I was thrilled to see Karry selected to serve as the Recruiting & Retention Operations Sergeant Major. He was exactly the person whom the organization needed as the senior enlisted leader of the battalion someone who was successful as both a Recruiter & Team Leader, someone who had an incredible work ethic, who led by example, had empathy, and exuded professionalism. That was Karry Schurke, and it was so nice to see him achieve the Sergeant Major position in the battalion. Serving as a Recruiter is challenging. Those who have worked in this challenging environment know this better than anyone. I saw some really good recruiters NOT be successful leading a team of recruiters. Karry made the transition very well. The recruiters on his team were inspired to work hard and achieve mission because they knew that their boss worked harder than all of them. He demonstrated compassion for his team, and advocated aggressively for his recruiters when they earned his advocacy. I respected Karry greatly, and I know that Dave Wetzbarger, Cyle Geertz, and Mike Dieger shared great respect for him, as well. Karry Schurke seemed to do an outstanding job of balancing all aspects of his life, and all of the roles that he was expected to fulfill, including husband, father, family member, soldier, leader, etc. His retirement only a few short years ago no doubt provided him more time at home to spend with his family, and he had an outstanding opportunity to transition to a position in Human Resources and Safety, which sounded like a great fit. I was very happy for Karry and his family that this opportunity presented itself. As I reflect back on the man that Karry Schurke was to me anyway I see a person who loved being around people, enjoyed camaraderie, was an incredibly hard worker and focused on mission accomplishment, while at the same time having fun with those around him. Karry was loyal to his subordinates, peers, and superiors. I ran into so many Soldiers who were recruited by Karry Schurke over the years; every one of them talked very highly of him as a professional. He was a great example, and no doubt will be remembered for a lifetime by those whose lives he touched. My deepest condolences to Karrys family his wife, Jennifer, and daughters, Emma & Gracie, and to Karrys extended family, as well."

"He initially got me enlisted into the military. I used to hang out after high school with him and a few other soldiers at the armory. He always freaked me out when he drove with his knees lol. Prayers for his family."

"Karry, Jen and the girls used to live across the alley from us. Great neighbors! And when Karry was in high school he played the tuba and/or baritone. Back in those days when I'd be getting together a Zion instrumental brass group, he never turned me down. Sending our prayers that our Lord will comfort and give you strength. Renee and Butch Miller Your Zion Family"

"Larry was a child hood friend. Always had a smile and a smart comment he will be missed by all that knew him."

"Retired SGM Karry Schurke was more than a boss. He was a Leader, Mentor, Coach, and a Friend. Prayers go out to Jennifer and the girls during this time. He will be missed by a lot of Soldiers."

"I am so sorry for your loss. He enlisted my eldest brother Spc. Marshall Lantz. He was so excited when he found out my youngest brother Matt was jointing. He insisted on being there when he signed up. he said " I won't miss Lantz's little brother joining the National Guard. He will be missed."

"My thoughts and love to Jennifer, Emma and Gracie. Any time spent with Karry was time well spent. He was a truly a good man and so fun to be around. I feel blessed to have been his friend. He left great memories and a lot of smiles."

"To a man who has touched so many lives and made so many memories with so many people that will be talked about and cherished forever. We miss you and love you Karry! Our thoughts and prayers to your Family!!"

"We are sending heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Jenn and the girls during this difficult time. We will miss Kerry's smile and laughter. May God wrap his arms around you and surround you with his love. Verlyn and Sue Kraayenbrink"

"Karry recruited my son was such a great guy ... prayers to his wife and daughter's ...and the rest if his family...."

"Love ya Schurke. I have great memories of you that Ill cherish forever. A game of horse I. The Denison armory in your skivies which surprises no one most likely. The time you nearly killed me with alcohol poisoning. That was a good night. I was green in the face for days. Wouldnt trade the memories for anything. Youll be missed brother."

"Karry was an outstanding Soldier that was a joy for all to be around. He will he missed by many! Sorry to hear of his passing."

"Sent a gift in memory of Karry A. Schurke"

"Sent a gift in memory of Karry A. Schurke"

"We have so many fond memories of "Schurke" as we knew him by! A great recruiter for our son! He loved his family as he shared stories and pictures! Hugs to all of you!"

"Hugs and prayers for Karrys family!!!!!"

"Prayers to all of Karry's loving family. Your pain is very deep and hard to understand why, but he is in God's hands."